Theory and Methods of Foreign Languages Teaching

This course is designed for those who want to gain a deeper understanding of the theory and methodology of teaching foreign languages. It combines a solid academic foundation with practical techniques that can be immediately applied in teaching practice.

Together, we will explore:  

• various methodological approaches to teaching and how to choose the most suitable one; ;
• how to plan lessons and make them engaging and well-structured;
• how to effectively build language knowledge and develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills;
• which digital tools help modern educators make their lessons more productive.

The course will be beneficial both for those who are already teaching and for those preparing to enter the profession — it will help you feel confident in diverse educational contexts.

The course includes 9 modules and 29 thematic sections. You can look forward to:  

• short video lectures covering key ideas and examples;
• longreads on each topic;
• automatically graded assignments;
• practical tasks;
• additional materials for in-depth study.

You can complete the course at your own pace, revisit the materials, and practice the skills as much as you need.

Links to additional literature and resources are provided directly within the course materials. They will help you gain a deeper understanding of the theoretical foundations of teaching methodology, explore modern research, and find practical recommendations for further professional development.

To take the course, an English proficiency level of at least B1 is required.

Module 1. English teaching today: what do I need to know?
Topic 1.1. The subject matter of ELT
Topic 1.2. Subfields of teaching English

Module 2. Popular methodology
Topic 2.1. Approaches, methods, techniques
Topic 2.2. Grammar-translation method
Topic 2.3. Direct methods 
Topic 2.4. Communicative language teaching 
Topic 2.5. Alternative methods to teaching languages

Module 3. Learner Variables 
Topic 3.1. Teaching across age levels
Topic 3.2. Teaching across proficiency levels
Topic 3.3. Motivation

Module 4. Lesson design 
Topic 4.1. Lesson aims 
Topic 4.2. Lesson frameworks

Module 5. Teaching language systems 
Topic 5.1. Teaching phonology 
Topic 5.2. Teaching grammar 
Topic 5.3. Teaching lexis

Module 6. Teaching skills 
Topic 6.1. Teaching reading 
Topic 6.2. Teaching listening 
Topic 6.3. Teaching speaking 
Topic 6.4. Teaching writing  

Module 7. Classroom management 
Topic 7.1. Classroom interaction and discourse 
Topic 7.2. Error correction 
Topic 7.3. Teaching one-to one 
Topic 7.4. Managing mixed abilities classrooms  
Topic 7.5. Large classes

Module 8. Language testing and assessment
Topic 8.1. Types of assessment  
Topic 8.2. Developing assessment procedures  

Module 9. Resources and technology
Topic 9.1. Materials in ELT
Topic 9.2. Teaching without materials
Topic 9.3. Teaching in digital environment

As part of the course, you will become familiar with key concepts and approaches in teaching foreign languages. You will learn:  

• Basic terms and concepts in the theory and methodology of teaching English;
• Approaches and methods used when working with different age and language groups;
• Specifics of teaching in various educational contexts (individual lessons, mixed-level groups, etc.);
• Features of teaching grammar, vocabulary, phonetics, speaking, listening, reading, and writing;
• Lesson planning methods and strategies for formative and summative assessment;
• Techniques for correcting learners' errors;
• The use of digital tools for developing and adapting educational content.

As a result of the training, you will learn to:  

• Plan and develop foreign language lessons;
• Effectively organize the teaching of grammar, vocabulary, phonetics, speaking, writing, reading, and listening;
• Select teaching strategies based on the students' profile and proficiency level;
• Adapt ready-made teaching materials to meet the needs of the group;
• Create your own teaching materials using digital platforms and tools.

Course participants will acquire specialized knowledge and practical skills that will enable them to:  

• Systematize their understanding of modern theories and methodologies in foreign language teaching;
• Master the key methodological approaches used in teaching foreign languages;
• Understand the specifics of teaching various aspects of language (grammar, vocabulary, phonetics) and types of speech activities (speaking, listening, reading, writing);
• Plan foreign language lessons tailored to the level and needs of learners;
• Use digital tools for developing and adapting educational content.

Federal State Educational Standard 44.04.01 Pedagogical Education:  

Universal Competencies:  

• UC-1: The ability to critically analyze problem situations and develop a strategy for action. The course fosters this competency by teaching methods for analyzing educational situations and selecting appropriate teaching methodologies.
• UC-4: The ability to apply modern communication technologies. The use of technologies for online teaching in MOOCs is closely connected to this competency.
• UC-5: The ability to analyze and take into account cultural diversity in the process of intercultural interaction. The course covers aspects of teaching English in various contexts, contributing to the development of this competency.

General Professional Competencies:  

• GPC-2: The ability to design educational programs and develop methodological support. The course teaches how to create educational materials and lesson plans, which helps develop this competency.
• GPC-3: The ability to design educational activities considering the characteristics of students, including individual needs. The course trains participants to work with students of different ages and language proficiency levels.
• GPC-6: The ability to use psychological and pedagogical technologies, including inclusive education. The course addresses classroom management techniques, including approaches for students with diverse needs and levels of preparation.